New study identifies virus as possible brain cancer treatment aid

Scientists have found a way of combating brain cancer by using a naturally-occurring virus to bolster the immune system.

Researchers from the University of Leeds and the Institute of Cancer Research have demonstrated that reovirus has the capability cross the blood-brain barrier to reach tumours, potentially making it an effective immunotherapy.

The virus is able to activate the body's own defence systems to attack cancerous cells, suggesting it could be injected directly into the bloodstream to help treat people with aggressive brain tumours.

A clinical trial that is currently underway showed that the virus only infects cancer cells and leaves healthy tissue alone, meaning patients receiving the treatment reported only mild flu-like side effects.

Previously, it was thought to be improbable that a virus capable of passing from the blood into the brain could be found, meaning treatments of this kind would have to be injected directly into the brain – a challenging process that is not suitable for all patients.

Dr Adel Samson, co-lead author and medical oncologist at the Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology at the University of Leeds, said: "This is the first time it has been shown that a therapeutic virus is able to pass through the brain-blood barrier, and that opens up the possibility this type of immunotherapy could be used to treat more people with aggressive brain cancers."

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